Walking Car

This application reads 3D geometry parameters from a set of arrays, then generates and displays a Java3D model. The program provides the user with a set of Swing-based GUI controllers to manipulate the movable parts and animate them. The controllers give the user the ability to control all aspects of the movements and behaviors.

Individually the program parts are a generic solid modeler, and a set of controllers and analyzers.

Collectively, however, it is a simulator of a robotic car with legs instead of wheels.

Check out some screen-shots and more details.

This little ditty was inspired by the DARPA Grand Challenge; not that I thought I could enter, but that I thought bugs are really good at doing the kind of things that those big over-engineered contraptions failed so hilariously at. Like many of my home projects, this was so inspiring, I could hardly wait to abandon it and get started on my next great idea. It's not perfect, but the idea has a lot of potential for a real gas-powered go-kart-sized project some day. Couldn't you just see that in the Rose Bowl Parade? That would be so cool!

I also have this idea about a bicycle-sized machine with peddles like a bicycle, but gears and pulleys and cams and I-don't-know-what-else and legs that walk (or run) like a horse. Would that be cool or what?!?!?!